Monday, October 20, 2014

Unicorn Hoodie Tutorial and Free Pattern

Happy Fall!  Halloween is just around the corner, which means my girls and I have been busy lately, dreaming up plans and working on their costumes.  I always look so forward to this season, when I get to make them something magical that they've envisioned and helped me create.  Their costumes are unquestionably the favorites of all the items I sew for them each year.  I'm excited and honored to be a guest contributor at GYTC Designs today for the "31 Days of Halloween" Series!  Please follow the link above to check out my post.  I'm sharing a free tutorial and pattern template for this simple, but lovely Halloween costume for all your My Little Pony-loving girls.


 

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Pattern Release! Upsized "April Showers Jacket"

I am excited to introduce today, the upsized version one of my favorites, the "April Showers Jacket."  Opening up shop last November, I offered this (toddler-sized) jacket as my very first pattern!  I've so enjoyed the positive customer response it's gotten, especially the requests to grade it into bigger sizes.  The new pattern includes sizes 12 mos.-10!  I've given it a general upgrade as well based on new tester feedback, including better measurement charts, an elastic option for the hood, and additional notation within the pattern pieces to help construction go even more smoothly! 


This simple little raincoat is fully lined and can be sewn for boys and girls. 
It's an easy sew and a great choice for a first jacket pattern, if you've never made one before.  Cotton laminate fabric is ideal for the project; and a full section of tips for using this type of material is given in the tutorial.  Your coat can also be made with a variety of fabrics such as corduroy, quilter's cotton, fleece, wool, nylon, PUL, etc.  Linings that work well include everything from flannel, to minky.   The design also gives you the ability to sew a completely reversible jacket if you wish.  The "April Showers Jacket" will be an awesome staple in your
 little (or big:) one's closet!

Here are a few of the beautiful coats created by my excellent testers:

by, Angela from Blog.thestone.org
 
                                                        by, Krissy at Totally Toostsies

                                               by, Gloria from Gloriajune44.blogspot.com

 
                                           by, Kylie at WWW.facbook.com/DribblePots

by, Kristel
 
                                                      
                                                                a cute reversible jacket
                                                                         by, Racheal


                                                                         by, Lieve

an adorable Fall coat in corduroy
by, Jennifer

                                                                            by, Mary
 
You may purchase your copy in my Etsy shop:
Use the coupon code LABORDAY14 today through September 1st for 30% off this or any of the patterns in the shop!

If you already own the original "April Showers Jacket" pattern, I have listed the new version just for you, as an add-on, for a minimal charge.  Simply select the "April Showers Add-On" listing at purchase.  I'll check records to verify that you have bought it previously, then email you the upgraded version. 
 (The coupon code LABORDAY14  works for the add-on as well!)

You can also enter to win a copy for FREE! 
(If you buy the pattern, then win, I'll be happy to refund your purchase price.)

                                                                a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Why I Sew

I love Sewing Mama RaeAnna's idea for this series!  Here's my story:

My passion for sewing probably began earlier than I can remember---on those precious afternoons I spent one-on-one with my Grandmother Ruby, who kept me as a preschooler while my mom was at work.  She loved sewing and had a closet full of supplies left over from her beautiful projects.  She gave me free reign over ALL of them!  It was a creative wonderland.  I recall her sitting with me, showing me how to stitch--first with a needle and thread--then propped up on a stack of telephone books at her sewing table.  After starting elementary school, I still spent mornings, afternoons, and breaks at her house.  I loved spending time drawing patterns for little doll clothes and stuffed animals.  She introduced me to different techniques whenever I would ask--but for the most part, she let me experiment independently.  I fell in love with the trial and error process of taking an intangible idea and forming it into an actual object.

It wasn't till I became an adult that I started wanting to make useful items:)  Many of my first "real" projects were baby gifts for friends as we starting having children.  They were FAR from perfect; as I still had a lot to learn. 


 In fact I'm still learning and hope never to stop!

One thing I've learned, is that our God is creative at his core.  He made us in his image and placed in us a little of his desire and ability to CREATE:).   As humans, we reflect Him imperfectly.  But I can't help but think that when we develop and use those gifts, however limited we may be--that it honors Him.



This blanket, was one of my first "grown-up" sewing projects.  I gave it to a sweet little newborn in 2007.  In 2012, his mom sent me a message. She asked if there was any way I could revive the blanket because it was completely threadbare and falling apart from use.  That little boy--no longer a baby---NEEDED it. 
It was THE blanket.  
As I sat with my seam ripper and that pitiful-looking quilt, picking out stitches I had sewn over 5 years before, I had never been so proud of something I'd made.  I remember thinking to myself, "THIS is why I sew."

Sewing had given me a way to show love.  A way of showing others they are important to me by sharing my time, thought, and energy---to make something just for them.  Not everything is treasured forever, no doubt.  Of course, plenty of items I sew have certainly made their way into Goodwill bags and hand-me-down boxes.  But that is perfectly okay too!  Sewing has accomplished it purpose as creative outlet for me, and expressing love to others.  Pretty satisfying and worthwhile!!

So--I keep on creating for family and friends, and designing patterns for my shop,
My sewing and designing time is limited though, as I do take frequent detours to teach and assist my kids with the spontaneous projects THEY just HAVE to make!  I love passing on this skill to them and fueling their creative fires:)


And I relish every single bit of it!



Everyone starts somewhere.  We all have different goals and reasons for being part of this craft.  That is the spirit behind the "Why I Sew" series.  I just love this online sewing community we have going! I'm thankful that it is, by and large, encouraging, inspiring, and positive!  Comment, link up, and share why you sew!  Check out other bloggers' stories here:


6.22.14 | Sewing Mama RaeAnna | Simple Simon and Co. |
6.23.14 | Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy | Nimble Phish | Sprouting Jube Jube | Paisley Roots | Made For Mermaids | Glitter and Wit | Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop | Rae Gun Ramblings |
6.24.14 | Shaffer Sisters | Sew Like My Mom | Bebe Lambs | EYMM |
6.25.14 | The Sewing Geek | GYCT | Lulu and Celeste |
6.26.14 | Ruby and Jack Patterns | Muse of the Morning | Fishsticks Designs | Little Kids Grow |
6.27.14 | Make it Handmade | Rebel and Malice | Ali Cat & Co. |


Saturday, June 21, 2014

PATTERN RELEASE! Simple Seaside Shorties and Capris


I took part in the Betties Basket Summer Designers' Challenge this week  I'm excited to share the newest pattern I've been working on: the Simple Seaside Shorties and Capris!! It's made for STRETCH KNIT fabric~ and absolutely full of interchangeable options including two lengths (shorties or capris), two hemlines (ruffles, or straight hem), two waistbands (regular elastic or yoga).  There is also a cute little optional buttoning pocket that can add a fun detail to your pants.  This is a true wardrobe staple that you'll use time and time again.  Make a pair of casual or dressy bottoms to pair perfectly with tees, tunics, and dresses!  You can also use it to sew up some comfy spring or summer pajamas!  You will LOVE the versatility of this pattern!

 
Check out a few of my testers' pictures to see all that you can do with this awesome pattern combo!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Are your wheels turning yet?  If you'd like to get started on your own, run and get your copy at my Etsy shop.  It's on sale this weekend for $6!
 
 
AND--you can also enter to WIN
                                                             a Rafflecopter giveaway
        that includes this and the rest of the Summer Designer Challenge pattern collection
                    from all these great shops!  Today is the last day for the big giveaway,
                                                      so hurry and get your entry in!!



Thursday, May 22, 2014

Pattern Release! The Perfect Cartwheel Ruffle Shorts

Today is the day!  The Perfect Cartwheel Ruffle Shorts are finally available for sale!I'm thrilled to be able to share some pictures from my amazing testers:)  They have all worked so hard to help me make this pattern the best it can be.  I'm incredibly thankful for each one of them!! 
Here we go.....Enjoy!
 

by, Abby Rose's Closet
 
 
 by, Janel
 
by, Teresa

by, Allyssa

by, Jenn

by, Mellissa
 
by, Jennifer

by, Theresa

by, Laura

by, Terra

by, Rebecca

by, Krissy

by, Essence

by, Jamie
 
by, Sarah

by, Allison

by, Lieve
 
If you have loved all of this adorable inspiration and want to get started on a pair or two of your own ....you can find the pattern in my shop here:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/190439365/brand-newthe-perfect-cartwheel-ruffle?ref=listing-shop-header-2

It's on SALE for just $5 today through the end of the Aspiring Designer's Challenge (May 29th)! 

Enter here to win your copy of this pattern free! 
 

You can also hop over to Pattern Revolution and check out the feature on my Perfect Cartwheel Ruffle Shorts there today!  And be sure to follow along this week for a look at all the great new patterns being released as part of the AD Challenge!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 19, 2014

A Preview: The Perfect Cartwheel Ruffle Shorts~~COMING SOON!

I'm Kelly, designer at Ruby and Jack Patterns!  I created this blog to share sewing ideas and updates from my pattern shop:)
 
I have been sewing since before I can remember, thanks to my 2 precious Grandmothers for whom my shop is named.  As I grew up, they constantly shared their time, patience, and passion with me~ helping me develop my skills and fall in love with the process of creating. 
 I was so lucky to have a Ruby and a Jack!  Not everyone has access to hands-on teachers.  So, I recently began designing PDF sewing patterns as a way to share with others, a little of what these 2 ladies have given me.  
 
I am excited to show you a preview of my newest design,
The Perfect Cartwheel Ruffle Shorts
They are scheduled to be released this Thursday, May 22, as part of the Aspiring Designer Challenge Week at Pattern Revolution.
 
 
The design was inspired by my feisty and feminine little girl, Emory.  She loves all things ruffled and girly.......BUT NOT as much as she loves to cartwheel, climb, and explore.
  These liven up her wardrobe a bit, beyond the general shorts and tees, AND supply the freedom she needs, to be active and adventurous :)
 
 
The Perfect Cartwheel Ruffle Shorts pattern comes in sizes 18 mos.-8, and is used with knit fabric.  These shorts are beautiful when made with one solid color or using multiple hues/prints for the ruffles. 
 
Please stay tuned for more pictures from my fantastic pattern testers and links to purchase it on SALE or WIN it for FREE when it's released!

 Also, follow along at Pattern Revolution, and check out all the wonderful new patterns coming out during the Aspiring Designers Challenge Week: